An Examination of Suicide in Law Enforcement Utilizing the MMPI-2-RF, PAI, and CPI

This study examined the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – Second Edition – Restructured From (MMPI-2-RF), Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and California Psychological Inventory (CPI) profiles of a sample of law enforcement officers from an urban, Midwestern police department who committed suicide during their law enforcement career. The officers were administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – Second Edition (MMPI-2), PAI, and CPI as a component of the pre-employment screening battery. The MMPI-2-RF, PAI, and CPI T-scores from this sample were compared to law enforcement applicant normative data or according to interpretative guidelines, depending on whether normative data was available. Data revealed few differences in mean scores between the study sample in comparison to normative or interpretative data. Mean T-scores of MMPI-2-RF self-impression management validity scales were elevated (T > 65) for individuals who committed suicide. Overall, the study sample's T-scores were comparable to normative or interpretative data. Implications and limitations of this study are also discussed.